Welcome to Medical News Today

Healthline Media, Inc. would like to process and share personal data (e.g., mobile ad id) and data about your use of our site (e.g., content interests) with our third party partners (see a current list) using cookies and similar automatic collection tools in order to a) personalize content and/or offers on our site or other sites, b) communicate with you upon request, and/or c) for additional reasons upon notice and, when applicable, with your consent.

Healthline Media, Inc. is based in and operates this site from the United States. Any data you provide will be primarily stored and processed in the United States, pursuant to the laws of the United States, which may provide lesser privacy protections than European Economic Area countries.

By clicking “accept” below, you acknowledge and grant your consent for these activities unless and until you withdraw your consent using our rights request form. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.

Please accept our privacy terms

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience, personalize content and offers, show targeted ads, analyze traffic, and better understand you. We may share your information with third-party partners for marketing purposes. To learn more and make choices about data use, visit our Advertising Policy and Privacy Policy. By clicking “Accept and Continue” below, (1) you consent to these activities unless and until you withdraw your consent using our rights request form, and (2) you consent to allow your data to be transferred, processed, and stored in the United States.

Everything you need to know about armpit detox

Armpit detoxification can help the body rid itself of toxins that have built up on the skin. It may also help to reduce the capacity of sweat glands and the amount of odor they produce.

Moreover, some research indicates armpit detox can boost the immune system and decrease cancer risk. Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are absorbed through the skin, and after many years of using these products, a lot of chemical residues have built up on a person's skin.

This is where an armpit detox can help. When someone stops using chemical deodorants and antiperspirants, toxins start to leave the body, resulting in an armpit detox.

Fast facts on armpit detox:

The armpits are the body's entry and exit points.

Deodorants are designed to mask the smell of excess bacteria from sweating.

Antiperspirants are designed to reduce sweating.

The detox process may cause skin problems, excess sweating, and odor.

How to do an armpit detox

Apple cider vinegar is one of the ingredients for an armpit detox.

Armpit detox is relatively straightforward and involves 3 ingredients, some of which people may already have in their homes.

Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl with a non-metal utensil. The thickness should be similar to that of yogurt. Spread the mixture in an even layer under each armpit. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes for the first few times, then slowly increase the time to no longer than 20 minutes. Wash the mixture off the armpits with warm water.

If the armpits turn red, do not worry, as this is quite normal and harmless. However, if anyone experiences any other reactions to the clay, wash the mixture off immediately.

Repeat the detoxification daily until there is no odor in the armpits or until natural deodorants no longer irritate the skin.

People should be aware that natural deodorants may also contain some harmful chemicals. Some people wanting to use a natural product might consider making their own deodorants. Recipes are available on a variety of websites that promote natural remedies.

Does armpit detoxification work?

Whether an armpit detox works is dependant on the reason an individual has decided to try it:

Easier transition to a natural deodorant

People who switch over to natural odor-fighting alternatives tend to experience rashes, excessive sweating and smell while transitioning.

Individuals who have used standard deodorants and antiperspirants for years are likely to have produced excess bad bacteria in the armpit, which increases odor and causes more sweating.

Detox is thought to help get the bacteria back in balance resulting in a more natural smell. However, there is no evidence that an armpit detox would do this any more effectively than soap and water.

Removes sticky buildup in armpits

Antiperspirants and deodorants leave a sticky buildup under the armpits, which is hard to wash even with soap. Aluminum used in these products clogs pores under the arms. An armpit detox may help pull out some of the chemicals that have built up in the armpits.

An armpit detox might help get rid of the build-up; however, a soap and water scrub is likely to be just as good or better.

Minimize frequent illness or enlarged lymph nodes

Some websites claim that an armpit detox can pull "cancer-causing toxins" through the skin and away from the lymph nodes. This is not true. In this regard, an armpit detox will be no help.

Eliminate odor

A common reason for an armpit detox is to remove or at least minimize armpit odor. Because apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial properties, this claim may have some truth to it.

The researchers were unable to find sufficient information to prove a possible link, however, but advocated the need for further study.

The studies that have looked for a connection between antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer have produced conflicting results. Because of this, it is probably best for women with an increased risk for breast cancer to stop using these products altogether or use them sparingly.

Chemicals

Deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum and chemicals called parabens. Putting these under the arms where they can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream may be harmful to health.

The armpits are also access points to the lymph nodes and the chemicals from odor-fighting products may affect the body's immune system responses.

Skin allergies

Several ingredients found in deodorants can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. Symptoms of reactions include redness and burning skin. Ingredients that might be responsible for skin irritation include parabens, aluminum, silica, talc, and propylene glycol.

One study from the United Kingdom, reported in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, found that up to 23 percent of women and 13.8 percent of men experience adverse reactions to a personal care product, with deodorants and antiperspirants among the most common.

Ineffectiveness

Sweat is almost odorless. The smell is caused by bacteria that break down sweat on the skin. Deodorants and antiperspirants only contain small amounts of antibacterial compounds to deal with sweat and odor, so any benefit is minimal.

Not needed

Manufacturers of deodorants and antiperspirants insist sweat protection is necessary to rid people of sweat. Most people do not smell as bad as they think they do; in fact, some people have a gene which means they do not sweat at all.

McGrath, K. G. (2003, December). An earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving [Abstract]. European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 12(6), 479-85. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14639125

2019 Healthline Media UK Ltd. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.